Bialystok, a beautiful historic city of 300,000 in the northeast of Poland, is one of the nation’s major population centres. Devastated in World War II and languishing for a long period afterward, the city has seen a renaissance in recent years, with restoration of its beautiful architecture and modernisation of infrastructure as the Polish economy has boomed.
One particular change that has come upon this serene city with unexpected rapidity is the increase in car ownership, which has more than tripled in Poland since 2005. Over the last decade, the growing need for an up-to-date, comprehensive traffic monitoring system has become increasingly apparent.
Surveillance enhancement for traffic surges
The growing need for an up-to-date, comprehensive traffic monitoring system has become increasingly apparent Cameras were the most costly item within the traditional traffic surveillance system originally deployed in Bialystok. To capture as many angles as possible, large numbers of cameras were required, often several at each intersection. As well as being an eyesore, this also meant that the cost of linking and synchronising the array of cameras to the central surveillance system was exorbitant.
To avoid impacting traffic, which is heavy during the daylight hours, installation and construction work was usually carried out at night. The restricted hours for installation caused long delays in camera setups. Worse, the system itself no longer met the needs of the rapidly developing city.
Despite the large numbers of cameras, the field of view of individual cameras was too narrow and when accidents happened it was difficult to try to piece together footage from several cameras in an attempt to reconstruct the incident. Often, there was no way to determine from the footage just who was at fault. A better solution was needed.
Seamless collaboration to seamless implementation
Zarzad Dróg Miejskich (ZDM), the municipal unit responsible for the road system in Bialystok needed to revamp, simplify, and upgrade their inefficient traffic camera system, so they worked with systems software manager Siemens and engaged VIVOTEK’s local distributor Suma Solutions to come up with an answer that would meet their needs. Siemens developed the system software around technology provided by VIVOTEK, a provider of IP surveillance solutions, offers dedicated traffic surveillance and management solutions, and has recently released its remarkable FE8174V H.264 5-megapixel fisheye network camera.The hemispherical images captured on camera can be automatically retooled to conventional projection specifications for easy viewing
The FE8174V is VIVOTEK’s fisheye network camera. This vandal-proof, WDR-enhanced, day/night camera features a detailed 5-megapixel resolution sensor with superior image quality. Its fisheye lens captures a 180° panoramic view when wall-mounted, and a stunning 360° surround view with no blind spots when mounted overhead. With its choice of display layouts—surround view, panoramic view, and regional view—it is the perfect solution for those who need coverage of wide, open areas as well as a high degree of flexibility.
With the advanced image processing capabilities, the hemispherical images captured on camera can be automatically retooled to conventional projection specifications for easy viewing. As the camera’s primary application is outdoors and demands reliability in all conditions, a weather-proof IP66-rated and vandal-proof IK10-rated housing keeps the camera body clear of rain and dust and maintains functionality in all types of weather.
The VIVOTEK FE8174V features a removable IR-cut filter, which is unquestionably the best choice for those who need a hardy, all-weather, 24/7 system with a full range of coverage.
Enhanced resolution means better traffic safety
ZDM installed 130 VIVOTEK FE8174V cameras at intersections throughout Bialystok. Now, with far fewer cameras, traffic controllers can get a clear, sharp overview of the whole field without any blind spots. VIVOTEK’s fisheye camera dewarping capabilities allow monitors to adopt different presentation modes
A single VIVOTEK FE8174V provides the coverage of four outdoor bullet cameras in one image, and has resulted in cost savings at the same time as providing more complete coverage. Fewer cameras has also meant a decrease in costs associated with the backend management platform, network communications equipment, and storage equipment; it has also protected the aesthetic properties of the city by decluttering the skyline.
Further, VIVOTEK’s fisheye camera dewarping capabilities allow monitors to adopt different presentation modes. Now, Management Center operators can easily monitor and verify traffic incidents and use the image recognition software to increase traffic control efficiency. The city of Bialystok has finally achieved a traffic management and surveillance system that can keep pace with its rapid growth while remaining in harmony with the local culture and architecture.

Decommissioned in San Diego, California, the USS Midway served from 1945 until 1992, as the longest-serving American aircraft carrier of the 20th century. The historic naval ship museum opened to the public for tours on June 10th, 2004, and receives 1,000,000 visitors annually. The USS Midway’s mission is to preserve, inspire, educate, and entertain visitors as well as serve as America’s living symbol of freedom.
Video surveillance system
Throughout USS Midway’s 47 years of service, the aircraft carrier played key roles in the Cold War, served with the Atlantic Fleet, was combat deployed in Vietnam as well as the Arabian Gulf for Desert Storm, and many other operations throughout the world. The aircraft carrier is home to flight simulators, a gift shop, café and a theatre, measures 1,001 feet long, and contains 18 decks.
The large number of tourists, volunteers, and museum staff occupying the facility, along with the many events held on-board on any given day, make safety and surveillance a top concern for the museum’s Board of Directors.
Earlier this year, Director of Safety and Security, Bill McClurg, with the full support of the CEO and the museum’s board, led a team of USS Midway department directors including information technology, finance, and operations, and launched a project designed to update and improve the museum’s existing video surveillance system.
The process culminated in the selection of VIVOTEK’s valued partner, Layer3 Security Services, a systems integration company headquartered in San Diego that serves companies, government agencies and institutions throughout Southern California.
Network cameras
The new video surveillance system features dozens of VIVOTEK network cameras including fixed domes, box cameras, and Pan Tilt Zoom models. “There were many reasons for selecting VIVOTEK for this demanding application,” said Dario Santana, President of Layer3 Security Services. “These include the breadth of VIVOTEK’s product line, the high degree of integration with ExacqVision’s VMS platform, and the products’ superior price and performance. In the end, it only made sense to select VIVOTEK for the USS Midway upgrade,” concluded Dario.
In the end, it only made sense to select VIVOTEK for the USS Midway upgrade"
VIVOTEK’s FD8365HV and FD8338-HV fixed dome network cameras were also positioned in areas in need of surveillance. Both camera models are able to withstand inclement weather and the IP66 and IK10-rated housing protects the unit against acts of vandalism, making these units a great selection for installation aboard the aircraft carrier.
A variety of camera models were chosen to monitor specific areas of the museum and surrounding areas. VIVOTEK’s FD8373-EHV fixed dome network cameras were installed throughout the premises due to the 3-megapixel wide dynamic range CMOS sensor’s excellent ability to adjust to challenging lighting conditions. The WDR Pro feature allows the camera to capture both the dark and bright areas of an image and combine the differences to generate a highly realistic representation of the original scene.
Zooming capabilities
Working closely with Layer3, Bill McClurg also chose SD8364E, speed dome network cameras for the zoom capabilities in parking lot as well as ship deck monitoring and IP8155HP, box network cameras. VIVOTEK’s SD8364E 1080p full HD resolution speed dome delivers superb image quality with its 30x optical zoom lens, perfect for monitoring wide open spaces.
SD8364E’s IP67 and NEMA 4X-rated housing protects against rain, dust, and corrosion as well as operates under extreme weather conditions making it suitable for San Diego’s climate. The IP8155HP professional box network camera offers 1.3-megapixel resolution and WDR Pro II providing extreme visibility in high contrast environments.
“Layer3 Security Services and VIVOTEK far exceeded our expectations with the installation of our new upgraded surveillance system. Layer3’s ability to translate our needs into a workable design and their recommendation of VIVOTEK’s superior yet efficient product line led to a successful deployment. Effective video surveillance on a museum, whose mission is to be, ‘America’s Living Symbol of Freedom,’ is an essential element in preserving it for generations to come,” said Bill McClurg, Safety Director.

VIVOTEK has extended its IP surveillance services by improving the efficiency of daily operations at soft drinks franchise Varun Beverages Ltd. Prior to this, Varun Beverages had experienced a number of different issues, despite being under analogue surveillance. These issues included everything from theft to the operational inefficiency of workers.
By helping Varun Beverages to realise the shortcomings of analogue surveillance, VIVOTEK brought the plant on par with the evolving security landscape. Along with its partner Network Technology, VIVOTEK changed the analogue video surveillance solutions to IP surveillance solutions for improved video and image quality and enhanced Field of View (FOV).
Complete end-to-end solution
Commenting on the success of the project, Sanjeev Gulati, Country Manager, India & SAARC, VIVOTEK Inc. commented: “Despite existing security surveillance arrangements, Varun Beverages reported a number of thefts. Adding to their distress was the poor image quality and limited coverage area of their existing analogue surveillance solutions. Their daily operations suffered due to these drawbacks.
After having analysed the situation, along with Network Technology, we suggested altering their analogue surveillance solution to an IP surveillance solution. We gave them a complete end-to-end solution; from general surveillance to various checkpoints in the plant. The deployment of VIVOTEK solutions transformed operations to be more productive and secure. They are now satisfied with the video and image quality of their security surveillance system.”
Robust security solution
A spokesperson for Varun Beverages commented: “We were very concerned about the issues that we were dealing with; be it security, operational or employee disputes. VIVOTEK's IP surveillance system worked with us step by step to not only provide the robust security solution we were looking for, but also to help us navigate through all our key plant requirements. The IP surveillance system has significantly improved control over the entire production process and administrative areas of all our production facilities.
"The solution enables an efficient and centralised security through which the manager can monitor remotely anytime and anywhere"
The solution enables an efficient and centralised security through which the manager can monitor remotely anytime and anywhere, promptly and effectively. VIVOTEK has been extremely helpful during the planning stage and in providing technical support, which exceeded our expectations. We are looking forward to working with them in the future as their business expands.”
VIVOTEK VAST video management software
The video management software used to operate the IP surveillance solution is VIVOTEK VAST, which is connected to various camera models, including 5-megapixel 360-degree surround view fisheye camera FE8180, the robust Full-HD speed dome camera SD8363E, the 3-megapixel outdoor ready 180-degree view fisheye camera CC8370-HV, the 2-megapixel 15-metre IR illuminator fixed dome camera FD8169, and two bullet-type cameras IB8369 and IB8367. VIVOTEK and its associate partner also segregated the cameras on the basis of lens types, such as fixed lens camera and varifocal lens camera for different applications.
After the installation of the new IP surveillance system, Varun Beverages has managed to prevent thefts in its warehouses and plants. The workers and operation staff, being well-aware of the new enhanced security surveillance, stick to company protocol and uphold company standards in terms of hygiene and effective and efficient operations.